Grossman back as Redskins' 3rd QB

Redskins QBs Robert Griffin III, left, and Rex Grossman walk to the field during training camp July 29. Grossman, who once started a Super Bowl with Chicago, is drawing on his experience to help young quarterbacks Griffin and Kirk Cousins along. (The Associated Press)

The Associated Press

Published: Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 12:15 a.m.

RICHMOND, Va. — RG3 wishes he had been the first to put a Roman numeral on the back of his uniform.

Not Robert Griffin III. The Washington Redskins' other RG3 — Rex Grossman III.

“It would have been cool to put it on my jersey as a rookie,” said Grossman, a former UF standout. “I never thought about it.”

Of course, NFL rules didn't permit suffixes on jerseys when Grossman entered the league in 2003. And, as he points out, he didn't have anything close to the marketing cachet of Griffin, who is essentially the reason the rule was changed.

But now that it's permissible, he does have the option of breaking out a “Grossman III” moniker above his No. 8.

“I could now,” Grossman said. “But it seems a little bit ...”

Copycat?

“Yeah,” he answered. “I'll stick with what I've been doing for 10 years.”

For the second straight year, Grossman is the veteran tutor for young quarterbacks Griffin and Kirk Cousins. He's a third-stringer who didn't play last year and is unlikely to do so again this season.

He's not even a lock to make the team because coach Mike Shanahan might decide to keep only two quarterbacks, although that would be dicey if there is any serious concern about the status of Griffin's surgically reconstructed right knee.

For a quarterback who once started a Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears, it's a role that's a bit humbling.

“It's not satisfying,” Grossman said. “It's not where you want to be. Every situation's different. My mindset my whole career has been to take advantage of every opportunity you get and go from there.”

Grossman was a free agent in the offseason, but there's only so much demand for a 32-year-old quarterback with more career interceptions (60) than touchdown passes (56). He opted to re-sign with reigning NFC East champion Washington, where he's familiar with the offensive schemes and has a front-row seat for the phenomenon that Griffin has become.

“Rex is a true pro,” Shanahan said. “He handles himself just like you would hope that any experienced quarterback would handle it. He understands his role. He's very, very good with our young quarterbacks, and he's a big plus for our football team.”

When Griffin walked onto the field Saturday for the annual Fan Appreciation Day at training camp, the people roared. He held up his helmet to the fans, then waved his arms to encourage them to cheer more.

When Grossman walked onto field, there wasn't so much as a ripple from the crowd.

Still, it's hard to complain about having a job in the NFL.

“They'll have to kick me out of the league,” Grossman said. “If they want me when I'm 50, I'll be here. I'm not a ‘retire' guy, so I take every situation given and try to make the best career choice I can.”

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